Hay Systems Limited (HSL) announced development of its own 1800MHz GSM femtocell product. The Scottish GSM network operator was originally an SMS message gateway service and expanded its services to include roaming and core network operations. It has its own licence to operate in the GSM/DECT guard band at 1800MHz for indoor purposes. Several of its systems have been developed in-house, and are available for re-sale to other operators.

The femtocell uses traditional 2G GSM technology, additionally supporting data services through GPRS and EDGE at data rates up to 414kbit/s. Initially targeted at 1800MHz spectrum band, future versions could include 900MHz and thus be applicable to niche operators who have bought the spare guard band spectrum, such as that sold recently in the UK.

Announced in April 2008 that their product roadmap includes adding 3G capability to the device.

HSL launched their 2.75G femtocell at the end of 2008 and trials starting with several operators. Their product offers:

• Up to 14 simultaneous voice calls(using half rate voice codec at 8kbit/s)
• Data rates up to 414kbit/s using EDGE (where handsets support this)
• Compatible with 2G (and dual mode 2G/3G) GSM handsets
• Integrates with operators existing BSC/MSC/GSN

Mark Hay, Managing and Technical Director of HSL, expounds the scope, capabilities and launch program in this 5 minute video snippet:

Hay Systems Website  

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